Career: Q&A

Q: Two female employees who report to me waste my time every day complaining about each other. I've tried talking to them individually, but I just learned that they've begun tripping and pushing each other in the office. The rest of my staff is getting fed up. What else can I do? - Alan

A: It's time to take a stand before someone gets injured and the company gets caught up in litigation. You also don't want to lose other valuable employees who no longer wish to witness roller derby in the corridors. Call a staff meeting and, without naming names, calmly tell everyone that their behavior in the office must remain professional at all times and anything less will be cause for disciplinary action. Then, start documenting their actions so that you can take the necessary steps should anything happen again.

Q: I have finally admitted I am disorganized. I can never find anything on my PC or my desk. What can I do? - Raj

A: Trying to become completely organized in a day is guaranteed to fail. Like most successful transitions in life, you need to change in small steps. Start with today's mail. Do something concrete with each piece: File it if you really need to retain it for future reference, forward it to someone else if necessary, place it in an "action required" folder in your desk drawer or briefcase, or mark it on your "to do" list. Follow the same procedure with your e-mail and do not let messages accumulate in your inbox. Finally, take 15 minutes each day to sort, file, forward or discard papers on your desk, and by the end of a month, you'll have not only created a new habit, you'll have a considerably tidier office.

Q: I got passed over for a promotion and the new boss has no experience in our type of business. I'm sure he's going to be asking me to do all his work while he collects the paychecks and perks. Should I quit? - Gord

A: Stop anticipating problems. Give the new boss a chance. Maybe he doesn't need to know how to do what you do, as long as he knows how to manage people. Continue doing your job well, accept new challenges, and be open to helping him and other members of your team. He may be a great boss who'll recognize your potential and arrange for a promotion. If he's a failure and you've continued to work diligently and professionally, there is a good chance that senior management will see you as the obvious choice for his replacement.

we all have similar challenges

I hope reading about other people's questions has helped you, if only to know you're not alone in the challenges you face in the office each day. If you have questions or work-related problems you'd like to see addressed, keep those e-mails coming and we'll try this format again.